TMO Instrument Lead

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory; Palo Alto (CA); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory in Palo Alto, California seeks an Instrument Lead for the Time-resolved Atomic and Molecular Optics instrument. The role shapes the scientific direction and oversees operations at the forefront of ultrafast X-ray science, leveraging the LCLS upgrade and DREAM instrument to enable transformative research.

The successful candidate will lead a multidisciplinary team, collaborate with support groups, and drive international leadership in AMO physics and quantum

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Physical Chemistry, Chemical Physics, or closely related field.
• Deep expertise in ultrafast dynamics in AMO or gas‑phase systems.
• Hands-on experience with high‑vacuum systems and pulsed X‑ray/optical sources.

Responsibilities

• Define and implement strategic scientific and technical roadmap for the TMO instrument.
• Lead operations, experiments, and safety for the instrument team.
• Collaborate with LCLS support groups to advance capabilities and user programs.
• Foster an inclusive, high‑performing team culture with safety as a priority.

Skills

Ultrafast dynamics

Experiment leadership

Collaborative leadership

Education

PhD in Physics or related field

Tools

ToF spectrometers

VMI

COLTRIMS

Pulsed X-ray sources

Job description

Position Overview and Opportunity:

The Science Research and Development (SRD) Division within the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is seeking a visionary scientist and leader to become the Instrument Lead for our Time-resolved Atomic and Molecular Optics (TMO) instrument.

This is a pivotal and rare time at LCLS to shape the scientific direction of the instrument. By Fall of 2027 we will have completed the construction of an 8 GeV superconducting linear accelerator. This accelerator represents a multibillion-dollar investment in high repetition rate X‑ray laser science and technology, making LCLS a world leading X‑ray source from both a peak and average brightness perspective in the wavelength range extending from 5 nm to 1 Å. The TMO instrument is poised to make unique use of these capabilities.

LCLS is an internationally preeminent science facility, operated by Stanford University at SLAC on behalf of the Department of Energy, Office of Science. The facility provides world‑leading scientific capabilities to a global user community across a broad research portfolio: understanding how energy and information are transformed and transported in systems relevant to microelectronics, catalysis, and quantum information science; revealing how atomic structure and dynamics influence disease and drug function.

The TMO instrument team has world leading expertise in performing soft X‑ray based molecular and chemical dynamics research with a focus on attosecond science. The high repetition rate upgrade of LCLS provides the unique opportunity to retain this leadership by offering the user community transformative new capabilities. Moreover, the TMO instrument lead is expected to establish a world‑class experimental program at the newly commissioned Dynamic Reaction Microscope (DREAM) instrument within TMO. The successful candidate will be at the center of a dynamic, multidisciplinary team, enabling groundbreaking research at the intersection of AMO physics and physical chemistry.

SLAC is a United States Department of Energy laboratory operated by Stanford University and located in Menlo Park, California.

Core Responsibilities:

• Strategic Vision and Leadership : Drive the long‑term scientific and technical roadmap for the TMO instrument, working closely with the Chemical Sciences and Atomic and Molecular Optics Science Departments of the Science Research and Development (SRD) Division. Be an internationally recognized leader in the development and application of X‑ray methods to molecular and chemical dynamics. Propose and champion instrument upgrades, ensuring TMO remains a world‑leading capability for studying ultrafast phenomena
• User Scientific Program Excellence : Be a trusted partner with the User community focused on delivering the collective success of the TMO instrument through the General Users’ Program. Serve as the primary scientific and technical liaison for our global user community. Champion their success by providing expert guidance from proposal to publication, ensuring the highest quality of scientific output
• Instrument Operations and Development : Oversee the day‑to‑day operation, performance, and safety of the instrument. Lead the instrument team in preparing for experiments, troubleshooting complex systems, and executing on a continuous plan for technical innovation and improvement.
• Team Leadership and Collaboration : Foster a culture of excellence, safety, and collaboration within the instrument team. Balance priorities to ensure robust operation of core instrument capabilities and the development of new capabilities that advance the scientific reach of TMO. Establish an Instrument Team culture committed to work professionally with LCLS support groups (Lasers, Data, Controls, Engineering, etc.) in a manner that enables a positive work environment and a high performing instrument.

Required Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. in Physics, Physical Chemistry, Chemical Physics, or a closely related field.
• Deep and established expertise in ultrafast dynamics within atomic, molecular, or gas‑phase systems and/or gas phase soft X‑ray spectroscopy.
• Hands‑on experience building, operating, or using key instrumentation like charge‑particle spectrometers (ToF, VMI, COLTRIMS), high‑vacuum systems, and pulsed X‑ray, optical, or electron beam sources.
• A compelling record of scientific achievement, evidenced by a strong publication list.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead and influence in a collaborative, team‑based environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience at an XFEL, synchrotron, or other large‑scale user facility.
• A track record of developing innovative sample delivery systems (e.g., advanced gas jets, cluster sources).
• Expertise in charged particle detection and multi‑particle coincidence techniques.
• A solid grounding in theoretical AMO physics or quantum chemistry.
• Proficiency in Python or MATLAB for complex, large‑scale data analysis.

SLAC leadership competencies:

• Team first mindset: Prioritizes collective and subordinate success over individual achievement and credit.
• Purpose and Vision : Creates and communicates a compelling vision for the instrument’s future, inspiring the team to achieve excellence and scientific impact.
• Team Effectiveness : Fosters a climate of trust, collaboration, and psychological safety where team members work together to achieve common goals.
• Attracts and Develops Employee Talent : Actively coaches, mentors, and creates growth opportunities for instrument scientists and technical staff.
• Results Through Others : Achieves ambitious goals by delegating effectively, empowering team members, and holding the team accountable for shared outcomes.
• Aligns Priorities : Ensures the team’s efforts on operations, user support, and development are directly aligned with the strategic goals of SLAC.
• Navigates Complexity : Solves multifaceted technical, operational, and interpersonal challenges with sound judgment and a systematic approach.
• Applies Lab Acumen : Understands the scientific landscape, user community needs, and operational realities of the facility to make effective strategic decisions for the instrument.
• Communication : Ensures the clear, timely, and effective flow of information to the team, users, management, and collaborators.
• Relationships : Builds and maintains strong, trust‑based relationships with a diverse population of internal and external stakeholders to foster collaboration and a positive work environment.
• Self Awareness : Understands one’s own leadership style, actively seeks feedback, and demonstrates a commitment to continuous personal and professional development.

Physical requirements and working conditions:

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job

Given the nature of this position, SLAC is open to on‑site and hybrid work options

Work standards:

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for environment, safety and security; communicates related concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned. Meets the applicable roles and responsibilities as described in the ESH Manual, Chapter 1—General Policy and Responsibilities: http://www-group.slac.stanford.edu/esh/eshmanual/pdfs/ESHch01.pdf
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu